Essential Oils for Travel

The anti-bacterial, anti-viral and emotionally nurturing and balancing properties of many essential oils are especially helpful when traveling or staying away from home.

Plan Ahead

By planning ahead and bringing a few carefully selected essential oils and aromatherapy products that you prepare yourself, several of the most challenging aspects of travel can be minimized.

Insomnia

Long, tiring transit times and jet can take its toll on adequate sleep and energy levels. Lavender and Roman Chamomile essential oils are the typical go-to essential oils to reach for in instances of insomnia. When traveling, add a drop of Lavender or Roman Chamomile to a cotton ball placed nearby or create a room and bed linen mist that can be kept with you and used when necessary. See AromaWeb's Aromatherapy and Insomnia article for more general information on the subject of insomnia.

Unpleasant Odors

Stuffy airplane cabins, unpleasant rental car odors and the harsh smell of some hotel rooms. Most essential oils, by their highly fragrant nature can help combat unpleasant odors, but Lemon, Lemongrass and in general, the Citrus Essential Oils are especially well suited for specifically combating smoky and unpleasant odors.

Insect Bites

Camping and rural retreats increase the likelihood of insect bites. A number of essential oils act as natural insect repellents. Citronella, Lavender, Eucalyptus and Lemongrass all help to deter insects. For more information, See AromaWeb's Insect Repellent Recipe.

Essential Oil Inhalers Are Ideal for Travel

Essential Oil Inhaler
Including Its Four Component Parts

Aromatherapy inhalers enclose a concentrated amount of essential oil. To use one, you simply unscrew the cap and raise the tip of the inhaler to your nose. They're small, highly portable and are handy for keeping particular essential oils or blends of essential oils within reach. They can be used discreetly, and they're great when in very tight quarters such as cramped air cabins and cars.

You can create your own inhalers to take on your journey. For more detailed information about inhalers and how to work with them, see AromaWeb's Aromatherapy Inhalers article.

Recipes and Blends for Inhaler Use:

Room Sprays, Car Mists and Linen Sprays

Essential Oil based mists and sprays can be used to help kill germs and eliminate stale or unpleasant chemical odors from hotel rooms, bed linens, counters, tub/shower/toilet surfaces and rental cars. (Do use caution as some furnishings and surfaces can be stained, dulled or harmed by the essential oil contained in the spray). Room Mists can also be used to help combat stress, insomnia or fatigue.

Traveling by Air With Essential Oil and Sprays/Liquids Made with Essential Oils

Essential Oils and products made with essential oils can be included in one's carry-on luggage provided that you carefully adhere to the restrictions for liquid carry-ons that are in place at the time of your journey.

For United States travelers, the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule is in place by the Transportation Security Administration. TSA.gov provides up to date guidelines for travelers.